Historic Kinneil House in Bo’ness opens its doors for free tours this Saturday, March 21, 2015.
The House – which boasts some of the best renaissance wall paintings in Scotland – will be open in the morning only from 10 a.m. to noon. (last admission 11.30 a.m.)
Neighbouring Kinneil Museum will also be open after a ground-floor revamp.
The events have been organised to tie in with the Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema, which is also taking place in the town this weekend.
Right: The Arbour Room at Kinneil House in Bo’ness.
KINNEIL HOUSE
- Free morning tours
- Cinema exhibition
- Pop-up photo booth
- Free cinema guidebooks (subject to availability)
- Last admission 11.30 a.m. on March 21, 2015
Kinneil House, in Kinneil Estate, was once home to the Dukes of Hamilton and has connections to James Watt and Mary, Queen of Scots.
On March 21 visitors will be able to tour the painted rooms and see a temporary exhibition on historic cinemas in the area. “Now Showing” was developed by Falkirk Community Trust. This exhibition charts the rise, fall and resurgence of local cinemas drawing on oral histories, photos and artefacts. There will also a pop-up photo area, allowing you to dress up as a Hollywood star and get your picture taken.
Volunteer guides from The Friends of Kinneil charity will also be giving away copies of a “Spotlight on Scotland’s Cinemas” – a booklet produced by Historic Scotland, which includes the local Hippodrome cinema.
Postcards and guide books will also be on sale.
The House will only be open from 10 a.m. to noon on March 21, 2015. Seven other open events – with mostly afternoon openings – have been planned for 2015. Dates here.
Please note the House is A-listed and dates back to the 15th century. As such it features stairs and steps and may not be suitable for some visitors with walking difficulties.
For maps and directions, click here
KINNEIL MUSEUM
- Re-opening after ground floor revamp
- Features new displays
- Retail area, drinks, plus accessible toilet and baby changing facilities
Kinneil Museum (pictured) will re-open this weekend after a ground floor refurbishment.
The new display will tell a story about Bo’ness town, presenting those features which have determined the changing character of the town over the centuries: the Romans, coal, the sea, pit props, pottery, Arts and Crafts and Art Deco architecture, cinema and ‘The Best Day of the Year’ – the Bo’ness Fair.
The project, led by Falkirk Community Trust, has been made possible by a grant from Heritage Lottery Fund, and has received significant contributions from The Friends of Kinneil. Come along from March 21 and give your views on the new look.
To tie in with the special house open day on March 21, the Museum will open earlier at 10 a.m. and close at 4 p.m. that day.
The normal opening times for the Museum are: Mondays to Saturdays from 12.30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The museum features a small retail area and also sells hot drinks. There’s also a fully accessible toilet with baby changing facilities. There’s ramped access for visitors with disabilities.
The museum is located in a small outbuilding a few minutes’ walk from Kinneil House.
For maps and directions, click here
ALSO IN TOWN THIS WEEKEND
- The Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, close to Kinneil Estate, is also running trains on March 21 and 22. If you want to visit Kinneil House and the steam railway, pop into the house on Saturday morning then go on a steam trip in the afternoon. Train times here. The trains leave Bo’ness Station, close to Bo’ness town centre. Map and directions here.
- The Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema continues until Sunday, March 22. There’s a range of films on show – plus linked community events. Full details are online. Brochures for the festival should also be available within Kinneil House. The Hippodrome Cinema, the main venue, is the oldest-purpose-built cinema in Scotland and was re-opened in 2009 after a £2 million revamp. Map and directions here
- The nearby Barony Theatre in Bo’ness is also holding a free open day this Saturday, March 21. Details on the Barony website. You’ll find the Barony contact details and address here.
FOOD AND DRINK
- Historic Bo’ness town centre – a short drive from Kinneil – has a range of cafes and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets.
- You can also have meals at the Corbie Inn, at Corbiehall, Bo’ness – and the Richmond Park Hotel, Bo’ness.
- You’ll find more about Bo’ness and other attractions at www.kinneil.org.uk/bonet and http://unlockboness.com/
- For information on the wider Falkirk area, go to www.visitfalkirk.com
PARKING
- Parking at Kinneil Estate and around Bo’ness is free of charge.
QUESTIONS
- If you have any queries, please email us: info@kinneil.org.uk
- You’ll also find leaflets and lots of information in local shops and businesses.
- Enjoy your visit.
Kinneil 